Los Angeles Lakers vs Milwaukee Bucks Predictions, Odds & Picks

• The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off of a disappointing loss to the Golden State Warriors.
• The Milwaukee Bucks are coming off of a loss to the talent-stacked Brooklyn Nets.
• This is the Bucks and Lakers’ first meeting of the season.

Lakers vs Bucks Odds

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Lakers vs Bucks Predictions and Picks

The Los Angeles Lakers let their lead slip away in their last matchup. While the Bucks are an intimidating force, the Lakers’ depth and defense should ensure them the win.

Picks:

Los Angeles Lakers to Win (-106)

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Head-to-Head: Los Angeles Lakers vs Milwaukee Bucks

The Lakers Need Can’t Relax

The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off of one of their most embarrassing moments of the early season. After starting strong, the Lakers’ lack of focus saw them give up an early lead and eventually lose to the Golden State Warriors.

After winning the first quarter against the Warriors 34-22, the Lakers went on to be outscored by their opposition 93 to 79 for the remainder of the match.

The Lakers won’t have the luxury to switch off against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks’ fast pace and stalwart defense will punish any Laker’s lapse in the effort.

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Milwaukee’s Bench Needs to Step Up

The Milwaukee Bucks are coming off of a loss to the star-studded Brooklyn Nets. While the Bucks certainly aren’t starved for talent, their bench disappointed in their last game.

While four of five Bucks starters scored 15 points or more, their bench accounted for just 19 points while shooting a disappointing 30.4% from the field.

In another match against a team with a superstar lineup, the Bucks need support from their reserves. All eyes are on veterans Augustin and Forbes, who were brought in as shooters. The pair were without a three-point field goal in their last game.

Lakers Key Player: (C) Montrezl Harrell

Montrezl Harrell does the same dunk every time I swear pic.twitter.com/zV81sYq1bF

— Off the Glass (@otgbasketball) January 14, 2021

The Los Angeles Lakers don’t get much production out of their starting center Marc Gasol, but a true game-changer for them is reigning Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell.

Harrell was one of the few bright spots for the Lakers in their last match, scoring 17 points and collecting eight rebounds and two blocks in 28 minutes of play.

Harrell will be crucial for the Lakers, as the work they put in on the glass and getting easy baskets will spell the pressure on James and Davis to create. Against an organized defense like Milwaukee’s, extra opportunities come few and far between.

Bucks Key Player: (C) Brook Lopez

the best of brook lopez.
which number do you prefer
??? pic.twitter.com/tdA9EyRwvG

— milwaukee_news_fanpage (@elia_niccolo) January 18, 2021

While this will be a superstar matchup, the play of Brook Lopez opens up all opportunities for the likes of Middleton and Antetokounmpo.

Lopez continues to be one of the leagues best stretch-bigs, converting on 35.1% of his three-point field goal attempts this year.

If Lopez can keep the interior presences of Anthony Davis and Marc Gasol in check from the perimeter, the Bucks could have their way with the Lakers in the paint.